Sunrise, Sunset

Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears

Yes, this is a wedding song, but it keeps going through my head as I think about my oldest child leaving home. Yesterday, he was just a little boy at play. Tomorrow, he will be a young man in the United States Navy. Where did the time go?

Jeffrey has been a blessing, a gift from God, throughout his life. He was born on April 6, 1992. God sent miracle after miracle as we survived a difficult pregnancy and then numerous surgeries during the first year of his life. It was just the two of us for the first couple of years, and even as a toddler he showed a deep level of caring towards everyone. A prophecy was spoken over him when he was dedicated to God that his feet would take him to the nations to share God's love.

At moments, though, I wondered if he would even live to do so. At the age of three, he had an asthma attack that nearly killed him. Again, at the age of six, he was hit by a mini-van when he ran into the street without looking. Although his body broke the windshield and dented the hood of the van, he walked away with only a scab on his elbow - looked like he fell off a bike. God has had his hand on Jeffrey's life from the beginning.

God has also given Jeffrey special gifts. Learning has always come easy for him - he graduated from high school with an advanced diploma and high honors. He has also been given the gift of leadership. From his fourth grade year, his teachers have nominated him for leadership roles in special programs. He was part of the Solomon Program at Hampton Christian Junior High. His friends look to him to lead the way. He has so much potential.

So, from the little boy who carried 20 matchbox cars in his pockets, to the young man who always has a hat to match his shoes, Jeffrey has grown to be a fine young man. I appreciate the respect and honor that he has given us as his parents. I look forward to the great things that God will do in his life. From the shy young boy who would not sing at his Kindergarten musical, to the young man performing on stage at music competitions, he has come a long way. I see now that God is preparing him to take His message to the nations.

I love you, Jeffrey, and am so proud of the decisions that you have made and the man that you are becoming!